HSK 4 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Level 4) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which grammar pattern means 'only if … then …' in Chinese?

除非…否则…
如果…就…
只要…就…
只有…才… (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 只有…才…

只有…才… means 'only if/when … then …', expressing a necessary condition, e.g., 只有努力才能成功 (Only by working hard can you succeed).

Question 2: What does the HSK compound word 经验 (jīngyàn) mean?

Process
Economy
Experiment
Experience (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Experience

经验 means 'experience' in the sense of accumulated knowledge from practice, not a scientific experiment (实验).

Question 3: What does 纠纷 (jiūfēn) mean in HSK Level 5?

Agreement
Discussion
Negotiation
Dispute / conflict (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Dispute / conflict

纠纷 means 'dispute' or 'conflict', typically referring to legal or interpersonal disagreements.

Question 4: What does 养成 (yǎngchéng) mean in HSK 3 context?

To develop (a habit) (Correct answer)
To teach someone
To take care of
To earn money

Correct answer: To develop (a habit)

养成 means 'to develop' or 'to form' a habit, skill, or character trait over time.

Question 5: 漂亮

dad
afternoon
eatery
gorgeous and charming (Correct answer)

Correct answer: gorgeous and charming

The Chinese character '漂亮' (piàoliang) translates to 'gorgeous and charming' or 'beautiful'.

Question 6: 哪儿

to slumber
household, house
where (Correct answer)
utilized to signal a shift or a new situation at the conclusion or middle of a sentence

Correct answer: where

哪儿 (nǎr) is an interrogative pronoun in Mandarin Chinese, specifically used to ask about location. It directly translates to "where." For instance, 你在哪儿? (Nǐ zài nǎr?) means "Where are you?".

Question 7: Which radical is associated with water-related characters like 海, 河, and 湖?

土 (earth radical)
火 (fire radical)
木 (wood radical)
氵(water radical) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 氵(water radical)

The three-dot water radical 氵is a component in most water-related Chinese characters, including sea (海), river (河), and lake (湖).

Question 8: 上午

month
There isn't
cab, taxi
morning, prior to noon (Correct answer)

Correct answer: morning, prior to noon

上午 (shàngwǔ) refers to the "morning" or the period "prior to noon" in Mandarin Chinese. It is a common time expression used to specify when an event occurs. For example, 上午好 (Shàngwǔ hǎo) means "Good morning.".

Question 9: Which HSK word means 'to develop' in the sense of growth or progress?

进步
发展 (Correct answer)
发达
提高

Correct answer: 发展

发展 (fāzhǎn) means 'to develop' or 'development' and is used for economic, personal, technological, or social growth.

Question 10: 女儿

accessible, to operate
to be seated and to sit
name
daughter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: daughter

The Chinese character '女儿' (nǚ'ér) translates to 'daughter'.

Question 11: What is the meaning of 突然 (tūrán) in HSK Level 3?

Quietly
Suddenly (Correct answer)
Carefully
Slowly

Correct answer: Suddenly

突然 means 'suddenly' or 'all of a sudden' and is used to describe unexpected changes or events.

Question 12: 老师

o'clock
teacher (Correct answer)
mother
doctor

Correct answer: teacher

老师 (lǎoshī) is the standard Mandarin Chinese word for "teacher." It is a respectful term used to address or refer to educators. This term is widely used in educational settings across China.

Question 13: Which HSK 4 word means 'to admire' or 'to appreciate'?

欣赏 (Correct answer)
羡慕
崇拜
佩服

Correct answer: 欣赏

欣赏 (xīnshǎng) means 'to appreciate' or 'to enjoy aesthetically', such as appreciating art or music.

Question 14: What does the term 听力理解 (tīnglì lǐjiě) mean in the context of the HSK exam?

Reading comprehension
Oral production
Written expression
Listening comprehension (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Listening comprehension

听力 (tīnglì) means 'listening ability' and 理解 (lǐjiě) means 'comprehension' — together the phrase refers to listening comprehension.

Question 15: What is the function of 把 in the sentence 请把门关上?

Indicates request politely
Marks passive voice
Disposal of the door — puts the object (door) before the verb+complement (Correct answer)
Shows future action

Correct answer: Disposal of the door — puts the object (door) before the verb+complement

请把门关上 means 'Please close the door' — 把 moves 门 (door) before 关上 (close + result), emphasizing the disposal of the object.

Question 16: At HSK Level 6, what primary task are test-takers required to perform after hearing a listening passage?

Write a summary of the passage in English
Match a picture to the content of the passage
Repeat the passage aloud for the examiner
Answer detailed multiple-choice questions about the passage content (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Answer detailed multiple-choice questions about the passage content

HSK 6 listening requires answering detailed multiple-choice questions that test in-depth comprehension of complex academic and cultural spoken passages.

Question 17: What does 举足轻重 mean as an HSK 6 idiom?

To be of decisive importance (Correct answer)
To move swiftly
To be indecisive
To act cautiously

Correct answer: To be of decisive importance

举足轻重 means a person or thing is so pivotal that even a small action tips the balance — of decisive or critical importance.

Question 18: How does the HSK Level 3 listening format differ from that of HSK Level 1?

Level 1 and Level 3 use identical question formats
Level 1 includes picture-based tasks while Level 3 features more complex judgment and appropriate-response questions (Correct answer)
Level 1 has more questions than Level 3
Level 1 uses faster speech than Level 3

Correct answer: Level 1 includes picture-based tasks while Level 3 features more complex judgment and appropriate-response questions

HSK Level 1 uses visual picture-matching tasks, while Level 3 requires higher-order skills such as judging truth/falsehood and selecting appropriate conversational responses.

Question 19: What does the character 木 mean as a standalone word?

Metal
Wood / tree (Correct answer)
Earth
Water

Correct answer: Wood / tree

木 (mù) means 'wood' or 'tree' as a standalone character and appears as a semantic radical in many wood-related characters.

Question 20: What does 追溯 (zhuīsù) mean at HSK Level 6?

To evaluate
To trace back / to go back to the source (Correct answer)
To summarize
To predict the future

Correct answer: To trace back / to go back to the source

追溯 means 'to trace back' to an origin or earlier point in time, used in historical or analytical contexts.

Question 21: 什么

movie, picture
seven
what (Correct answer)
book

Correct answer: what

什么 (shénme) is an interrogative pronoun in Mandarin Chinese. It directly translates to "what" and is used to ask about things, objects, or actions. For example, 你叫什么名字? (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?) means "What is your name?".

Question 22: 能

upcoming
eatery
purchase, retailer
can and might (Correct answer)

Correct answer: can and might

The Chinese character '能' (néng) translates to 'can' or 'might', indicating ability or possibility.

Question 23: What grammatical role does 虽然…但是… play in Chinese?

Condition: if … then …
Cause and effect: because … so …
Concession: although … nevertheless … (Correct answer)
Addition: not only … but also …

Correct answer: Concession: although … nevertheless …

虽然…但是… introduces a concession — acknowledging a fact in the first clause but contrasting it in the second.

Question 24: Which HSK 5 word means 'to neglect' or 'to overlook'?

遗忘
忽视 (Correct answer)
放弃
忽略

Correct answer: 忽视

忽视 (hūshì) means 'to neglect' or 'to disregard' something or someone intentionally or carelessly.

Question 25: Which HSK grammar point uses 非…不可 to express strong necessity?

Might as well
Must absolutely / cannot avoid (e.g., 非去不可 = must go) (Correct answer)
Should not
Better not

Correct answer: Must absolutely / cannot avoid (e.g., 非去不可 = must go)

非…不可 creates a double negative meaning 'absolutely must', e.g., 这本书非看不可 (This book is an absolute must-read).

Question 26: What is the HSK 3 word for 'to choose' or 'to select'?

决定
安排
判断
选择 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 选择

选择 (xuǎnzé) means 'to choose' or 'to make a selection' and is used in multiple-choice and life decisions alike.

Question 27: 上

to labor, employment
upward and above (Correct answer)
chair
canine

Correct answer: upward and above

The Chinese character '上' (shàng) translates to 'upward and above', or 'on'/'up'.

Question 28: What function does the particle 了 serve when placed at the end of a sentence?

Indicates a change of state or new situation (Correct answer)
Has no grammatical function
Indicates future events
Marks completed past action only

Correct answer: Indicates a change of state or new situation

Sentence-final 了 indicates a new situation or change of state, e.g., 天黑了 (It's gotten dark) — contrasting with verbal 了 which marks completion.

Question 29: Which HSK word means 'to communicate'?

交流
传达
联系
沟通 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 沟通

沟通 (gōutōng) means 'to communicate' with a focus on achieving mutual understanding between parties.

Question 30: What is the meaning of 逐渐 (zhújiàn) at HSK Level 4?

Gradually (Correct answer)
Eventually
Immediately
Suddenly

Correct answer: Gradually

逐渐 means 'gradually' or 'little by little' and describes slow, steady changes over time.

Question 31: What does 尽管 (jǐnguǎn) mean in HSK Level 4 grammar?

Even though / despite (Correct answer)
Because
Therefore
Unless

Correct answer: Even though / despite

尽管 means 'even though' or 'despite' and introduces a concessive clause, often paired with 还是 or 但是.

Question 32: 少

tea
little, few (Correct answer)
China
one

Correct answer: little, few

The Chinese character '少' (shǎo) translates to 'little' or 'few'.

Question 33: How do HSK listening levels approximately align with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) proficiency scale?

HSK 6 corresponds to CEFR A2
All six HSK levels correspond to CEFR B2
HSK has no relationship with the CEFR framework
HSK 1–2 ≈ A1–A2, HSK 3–4 ≈ B1–B2, HSK 5–6 ≈ C1–C2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: HSK 1–2 ≈ A1–A2, HSK 3–4 ≈ B1–B2, HSK 5–6 ≈ C1–C2

The HSK scale maps approximately to CEFR: levels 1–2 to A1–A2 (beginner), 3–4 to B1–B2 (intermediate), and 5–6 to C1–C2 (advanced).

Question 34: Which HSK 3 sentence pattern expresses a comparison using 'more than'?

A 比 B + adjective (Correct answer)
A 和 B
A 有 B
A 是 B

Correct answer: A 比 B + adjective

The 比 (bǐ) structure is used to compare two things, e.g., 他比我高 (He is taller than me).

Question 35: Which HSK 3 word describes the action of 'checking' or 'inspecting'?

复习
练习
考试
检查 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 检查

检查 (jiǎnchá) means 'to check' or 'to inspect' and is used for medical check-ups, document review, or safety inspections.

Question 36: 人

tea
Person, human (Correct answer)
He, that one
seven

Correct answer: Person, human

The Chinese character '人' (rén) translates to 'person' or 'human'.

Question 37: What does 彰显 (zhāngxiǎn) mean in HSK Level 6?

To manifest / to highlight clearly (Correct answer)
To simplify
To exaggerate
To hide

Correct answer: To manifest / to highlight clearly

彰显 means 'to manifest clearly' or 'to highlight' a quality that is evident and outstanding.

Question 38: What does 方向 (fāngxiàng) mean at the HSK 3 level?

Location
Destination
Direction (Correct answer)
Distance

Correct answer: Direction

方向 means 'direction' and is used when giving or asking for directional guidance.

Question 39: What does the structure 是…的 emphasize in Chinese grammar?

Expresses doubt
Emphasizes when, where, how, or by whom a past action occurred (Correct answer)
Indicates ongoing action
Marks future actions

Correct answer: Emphasizes when, where, how, or by whom a past action occurred

是…的 is used to highlight circumstances of a completed action, e.g., 我是昨天来的 (It was yesterday that I came).

Question 40: 没关系

four
There isn't
That's okay, it's not important. (Correct answer)
daughter

Correct answer: That's okay, it's not important.

没关系 (méiguānxi) is a common phrase in Mandarin Chinese used to express "it's okay," "no problem," or "it doesn't matter." It is often used as a polite response to an apology, similar to "you're welcome" after "thank you," or to dismiss a minor issue. The phrase literally means "no relation" or "no connection," implying no impact or concern.

Question 41: 前面

presently
front (Correct answer)
clothing
Hi there,

Correct answer: front

前面 (qiánmiàn) means "front" or "in front of" in Mandarin Chinese. It is a directional word used to indicate position or location. For example, 在前面 (zài qiánmiàn) means "in the front.".

Question 42: 睡觉

what
Her, she
Farewell, to see you again
to sleep (Correct answer)

Correct answer: to sleep

The Chinese character '睡觉' (shuìjiào) translates to 'to sleep'.

Question 43: Which component of spoken Mandarin is considered most critical for distinguishing meaning in HSK listening, particularly in words like 买 (mǎi, to buy) and 卖 (mài, to sell)?

The tonal pitch pattern on the syllable (Correct answer)
The length of the vowel sound
The initial consonant of the syllable
The speed of the speaker

Correct answer: The tonal pitch pattern on the syllable

买 (mǎi, 3rd tone) and 卖 (mài, 4th tone) share the same syllable but differ entirely in meaning due to their tones, illustrating how tonal pitch determines meaning.

Question 44: Which HSK 6 chengyu means 'to draw water from a bamboo basket' — i.e., a futile effort?

徒劳无功
事倍功半
竹篮打水 (Correct answer)
无济于事

Correct answer: 竹篮打水

竹篮打水 (zhú lán dǎ shuǐ) literally describes drawing water in a basket — it all leaks out, meaning the effort yields nothing.

Question 45: What does 鞭长莫及 mean as an HSK 6 chengyu?

To be too strict
To act in haste
To overextend resources
Beyond one's reach / unable to help from a distance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Beyond one's reach / unable to help from a distance

鞭长莫及 literally means 'the whip is long but cannot reach' — describing a situation where distance or limitations prevent effective action.

Question 46: What type of task is commonly used in HSK Level 1 listening to help beginners demonstrate understanding?

Picture matching tasks (Correct answer)
Fill-in-the-blank dictation
Short essay responses
Oral translation tasks

Correct answer: Picture matching tasks

HSK Level 1 listening includes picture-matching tasks where students identify which image corresponds to what they hear.

Question 47: What is the meaning of 陶醉 (táozuì) at HSK Level 5?

To be confused
To be motivated
To be exhausted
To be intoxicated by / to be enchanted by (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To be intoxicated by / to be enchanted by

陶醉 means 'to be intoxicated by' or 'completely enchanted by' something beautiful or pleasurable.

Question 48: What type of HSK listening question requires a test-taker to understand information that was implied but NOT directly stated in the audio?

Grammar identification questions
Inference questions (Correct answer)
Factual recall questions
Vocabulary definition questions

Correct answer: Inference questions

Inference questions, common at higher HSK levels, require test-takers to deduce meaning from context rather than selecting an answer that was explicitly stated.

Question 49: Which type of audio content is most commonly featured in HSK Level 5 and Level 6 listening sections?

Two-line dialogues about shopping
Simple greetings and introductions
Songs and rhymes
News broadcasts, interviews, and extended monologues (Correct answer)

Correct answer: News broadcasts, interviews, and extended monologues

HSK 5 and 6 use authentic, complex materials like news broadcasts and interviews that mirror real-world advanced Chinese usage.

Question 50: Which word means 'to remind' in HSK Level 4?

警告
建议
提醒 (Correct answer)
通知

Correct answer: 提醒

提醒 (tíxǐng) means 'to remind' someone of something they might forget, like a deadline or appointment.

Question 51: Which HSK 6 word means 'subtle' or 'delicate' in a nuanced sense?

精细
微妙 (Correct answer)
隐含
复杂

Correct answer: 微妙

微妙 (wēimiào) describes something delicately nuanced — a relationship, balance, or difference that is hard to pin down exactly.

Question 52: Which word means 'simple' or 'easy' at HSK Level 3?

困难
复杂
普通
简单 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 简单

简单 (jiǎndān) means 'simple' or 'uncomplicated' and contrasts with 复杂 (complex).

Question 53: Which HSK 5 word means 'to promote' or 'to advocate'?

倡导 (Correct answer)
推动
宣传
提倡

Correct answer: 倡导

倡导 (chàngdǎo) means 'to advocate' or 'to champion' a cause or idea, implying leadership in promotion.

Question 54: What does the HSK compound 目的 (mùdì) mean?

Method
Purpose / goal / objective (Correct answer)
Process
Result

Correct answer: Purpose / goal / objective

目的 means 'purpose' or 'goal' and is used to describe the intended aim of an action or plan.

Question 55: What does 声音 (shēngyīn) mean in the context of HSK 3?

Silence
Music
Sound / voice (Correct answer)
Noise pollution

Correct answer: Sound / voice

声音 means 'sound' or 'voice' and refers to any audible sound made by people, animals, or objects.

Question 56: Which variety of Chinese is used in all HSK listening recordings?

Standard Mandarin (Putonghua) (Correct answer)
Cantonese
Shanghainese
Sichuanese

Correct answer: Standard Mandarin (Putonghua)

All HSK listening materials use Standard Mandarin (Putonghua), which is the official standard for the national exam.

Question 57: Which HSK grammar point uses 连…都/也… to express emphasis?

连 + even X + 都/也 + verb (even X does/doesn't ...) (Correct answer)
连 + verb + 也 + adjective
连 + noun + 也 + noun
连 + quantity + 都

Correct answer: 连 + even X + 都/也 + verb (even X does/doesn't ...)

连…都/也… emphasizes an extreme case, e.g., 他连名字都不会写 (He can't even write his own name).

Question 58: Which HSK 4 word means 'to waste'?

利用
节约
消耗
浪费 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 浪费

浪费 (làngfèi) means 'to waste' resources such as time, money, or food.

Question 59: What does 究竟 (jiūjìng) express in HSK Level 4?

After all / exactly (used for emphasis in questions) (Correct answer)
Probably
Possibly
Rarely

Correct answer: After all / exactly (used for emphasis in questions)

究竟 is used in questions to emphasize that the speaker wants a definitive answer, similar to 'exactly' or 'in the end'.

Question 60: Which HSK 5 word means 'to exaggerate'?

强调
夸张 (Correct answer)
描述
表达

Correct answer: 夸张

夸张 (kuāzhāng) means 'to exaggerate' and can also function as an adjective meaning 'exaggerated' or 'over the top'.

Question 61: How does the difficulty of HSK listening sections change from Level 1 to Level 6?

Difficulty decreases at higher levels to emphasize reading and writing
Higher levels use regional accents and dialects to increase difficulty
All levels have identical difficulty; only the number of questions differs
Vocabulary complexity, speech pace, and topic sophistication increase with each level (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vocabulary complexity, speech pace, and topic sophistication increase with each level

As HSK levels progress, listening materials grow more complex in vocabulary range, speaking speed, and subject matter depth.

Question 62: Which measure word is used for long, thin objects like rivers and roads at HSK 3?

块 (kuài)
条 (tiáo) (Correct answer)
个 (gè)
张 (zhāng)

Correct answer: 条 (tiáo)

条 (tiáo) is used for long, thin objects such as rivers, roads, fish, and pants.

Question 63: 明天

tomorrow (Correct answer)
to depart
cash
chilly

Correct answer: tomorrow

The Chinese character '明天' (míngtiān) translates to 'tomorrow'.

Question 64: 钱

to depart
to observe
cash (Correct answer)
employed following an attribute

Correct answer: cash

钱 (qián) is the Mandarin Chinese word for "money" or "cash." It is a fundamental vocabulary item for discussing finances and transactions. For example, 多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?) means "How much money?".

Question 65: What does 融合 (rónghé) mean at HSK Level 5?

To compare
To separate
To compete
To blend / to integrate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To blend / to integrate

融合 means 'to blend', 'to integrate', or 'to fuse', commonly used when discussing cultural or social integration.

Question 66: Which HSK 3 word means 'to feel' or 'to sense'?

感觉 (Correct answer)
决定
准备
完成

Correct answer: 感觉

感觉 (gǎnjué) means 'feeling' or 'to feel/sense' and is commonly used in emotional and sensory contexts.

Question 67: What is the primary reason HSK listening passages at Levels 5 and 6 are considered especially challenging for non-native speakers?

They contain large amounts of classical Chinese (文言文)
They use non-standard regional accents from across China
They are recorded at very low audio quality to simulate real conditions
They feature authentic discourse with natural speech rates, complex syntax, and specialized vocabulary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They feature authentic discourse with natural speech rates, complex syntax, and specialized vocabulary

HSK 5–6 passages mirror authentic Chinese usage with natural speech speeds, sophisticated grammar structures, and topic-specific vocabulary, closely approximating what native speakers encounter.

Question 68: What does 周围 (zhōuwéi) mean at the HSK 4 level?

Surroundings / around (Correct answer)
Edge
Distance
Center

Correct answer: Surroundings / around

周围 means 'surroundings' or 'around' and refers to the area encircling a person or place.

Question 69: What is the difference between 已经 and 曾经 in Chinese grammar?

They are interchangeable
已经 = already (still relevant now); 曾经 = once (in the past, no longer) (Correct answer)
已经 is past; 曾经 is future
曾经 is more formal than 已经

Correct answer: 已经 = already (still relevant now); 曾经 = once (in the past, no longer)

已经 (already) describes a past action with current relevance, while 曾经 (once/formerly) describes a past state or action that no longer holds.

Question 70: What does 应运而生 mean in HSK Level 6?

To be forced into existence
To disappear quickly
To emerge in response to the times / to arise when needed (Correct answer)
To develop slowly

Correct answer: To emerge in response to the times / to arise when needed

应运而生 means 'to arise in response to circumstances' — something that comes into being because conditions made it necessary or inevitable.

Question 71: Why is tone recognition considered fundamental to HSK listening comprehension?

Only HSK Level 6 includes tasks that test tone recognition
Tones are decorative and do not affect word meaning in spoken Chinese
Tones only matter in written Chinese characters, not spoken speech
Different tones on the same syllable create entirely different words in Mandarin (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Different tones on the same syllable create entirely different words in Mandarin

Mandarin is a tonal language where the same syllable spoken in different tones produces completely different words, making tone recognition essential for accurate listening comprehension.

Question 72: What is the purpose of the modal verb 应该 (yīnggāi) in Chinese sentences?

Can / is able to
Want to
Must (strong compulsion)
Should / ought to (moral obligation or logical expectation) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Should / ought to (moral obligation or logical expectation)

应该 expresses moral obligation ('should') or logical expectation ('ought to') and is softer than 必须 (must).

Question 73: What does 深思熟虑 mean in HSK Level 6?

Superficial
Deliberate / carefully thought out (Correct answer)
Overly complex
Impulsive

Correct answer: Deliberate / carefully thought out

深思熟虑 means 'to think deeply and carefully' — a decision made after thorough and mature consideration.

Question 74: What is the most effective listening strategy when a test-taker encounters an unknown word during an HSK recording?

Continue listening and use surrounding context to infer meaning (Correct answer)
Skip the question and move on
Stop and focus entirely on the unknown word
Write the word down and look it up after the section

Correct answer: Continue listening and use surrounding context to infer meaning

Continuing to listen for context clues allows test-takers to infer the meaning of unknown words without losing track of the overall message.

Question 75: What is the meaning of the HSK word 观点 (guāndiǎn)?

Conclusion
Point of view / perspective (Correct answer)
Observation
Fact

Correct answer: Point of view / perspective

观点 means 'point of view' or 'perspective' and is used when expressing or discussing opinions.

Question 76: 吗

This
to consume
Language: Chinese
applied at the end of a question (Correct answer)

Correct answer: applied at the end of a question

吗 (ma) is a common interrogative particle in Mandarin Chinese. It is placed at the end of a declarative sentence to transform it into a yes/no question, similar to adding a question mark in English. It does not have a direct translation but signals that the sentence is a query.

Question 77: What does the complement 得 indicate in Chinese grammar?

Degree or potential complement after a verb (Correct answer)
Obligation
Purpose
Possession

Correct answer: Degree or potential complement after a verb

得 (de) introduces a degree complement describing how well an action was performed (e.g., 说得很好 — speaks very well) or a potential complement (说得了 — can speak).

Question 78: What does 权威 (quánwēi) mean in HSK Level 5?

Authority / authoritative (Correct answer)
Power
Influence
Reputation

Correct answer: Authority / authoritative

权威 means 'authority' as a noun (an authority figure) or 'authoritative' as an adjective, implying credibility and expertise.

Question 79: 块

Miss, a young woman
presently
A financial unit, equivalent to yuan (Correct answer)
to endure, to live

Correct answer: A financial unit, equivalent to yuan

The Chinese character '块' (kuài) is a common financial unit in China, equivalent to 'yuan' or 'dollar', often used colloquially.

Question 80: Which HSK 4 word means 'to negotiate' or 'to discuss'?

沟通
讨论
谈判 (Correct answer)
商量

Correct answer: 谈判

谈判 (tánpàn) specifically means 'to negotiate', often in formal business or diplomatic contexts.

Question 81: 六

six (Correct answer)
computer
table, desk
to desire, to wish

Correct answer: six

The Chinese character '六' (liù) translates to the number 'six'.

Question 82: Which tone in Mandarin is a high, flat tone (Tone 1)?

à (e.g., 骂 mà)
ā (e.g., 妈 mā) (Correct answer)
á (e.g., 麻 má)
ǎ (e.g., 马 mǎ)

Correct answer: ā (e.g., 妈 mā)

Tone 1 is the high-level flat tone, represented by a macron (ā), as in 妈 (mā, mother).

Question 83: Which HSK 5 word means 'to reform' or 'to transform'?

调整
改革 (Correct answer)
改变
修改

Correct answer: 改革

改革 (gǎigé) means 'reform' and typically refers to systematic changes in institutions, policies, or social structures.

Question 84: 呢

Thank you, but please don't bring it up.
to encounter, to understand
which
applied at the end of a question (Correct answer)

Correct answer: applied at the end of a question

The Chinese character '呢' (ne) is a modal particle often applied at the end of a question, similar to 'how about...?' or 'and...?'.

Question 85: Which HSK 5 word describes 'efficiency'?

效果
效益
效率 (Correct answer)
作用

Correct answer: 效率

效率 (xiàolǜ) means 'efficiency' — the ratio of useful output to total input in a task or process.

Question 86: Which Chinese time expression comes BEFORE the verb in a sentence?

Time expressions appear at the end only
Time expressions go after the object
Time expressions always precede the verb (and often the subject) (Correct answer)
Time expressions follow the verb

Correct answer: Time expressions always precede the verb (and often the subject)

In Chinese, time expressions (昨天, 明年, 三点钟) come before the verb — often at the start of the sentence or after the subject.

Question 87: Approximately how many vocabulary words should an HSK Level 3 candidate know to handle the listening section?

150 words
1,200 words
300 words
600 words (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 600 words

HSK Level 3 is based on approximately 600 cumulative vocabulary words, forming the foundation for listening comprehension at this level.

Question 88: Which Chinese sentence structure is equivalent to the English passive voice using 被?

被 + verb + object
Object + 被 + subject
Subject + 被 + verb
被 + agent + verb phrase (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 被 + agent + verb phrase

The 被 (bèi) passive construction is: Subject + 被 + (agent) + verb phrase, e.g., 书被他拿走了 (The book was taken away by him).

Question 89: 朋友

both, every
utilized to conclude an inquiry
Ten
companion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: companion

朋友 (péngyou) is the Mandarin Chinese word for "friend" or "companion." It is a common noun used to refer to acquaintances with whom one has a friendly relationship. This word is essential for social interactions and introductions.

Question 90: What does 瞻前顾后 mean as an HSK 6 chengyu?

To plan ahead carefully
To be over-cautious and hesitant (Correct answer)
To act swiftly
To look in all directions

Correct answer: To be over-cautious and hesitant

瞻前顾后 describes someone who over-considers every angle before acting — often used negatively to mean excessively hesitant.

Question 91: What does the grammar pattern 宁可…也不… express?

Would rather … than … (Correct answer)
Not only … but also …
Although … still …
Whether … or …

Correct answer: Would rather … than …

宁可…也不… expresses a strong preference: 'I would rather do X than do Y', e.g., 宁可饿肚子也不吃那个 (I'd rather go hungry than eat that).

Question 92: Which particle marks the topic of a sentence in Chinese, similar to 'as for'?

呢 (Correct answer)
嘛
啊
吧

Correct answer: 呢

呢 (ne) can mark a topic comment structure or form a follow-up question, e.g., 我很好，你呢？ (I'm fine, how about you?).

Question 93: 是

to slumber
to be, indeed (Correct answer)
to research and acquire knowledge
instructor

Correct answer: to be, indeed

是 (shì) is one of the most fundamental verbs in Mandarin Chinese, functioning primarily as the verb "to be." It is used to link a subject to a predicate, indicating identity, classification, or affirmation. For example, 我是学生 (Wǒ shì xuéshēng) means "I am a student.".

Question 94: 时候

to possess, there exists
word, character
We, our selves
moment, time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: moment, time

The Chinese character '时候' (shíhou) translates to 'moment' or 'time'.

Question 95: Which HSK vocabulary learning technique involves writing a character multiple times to build muscle memory?

Pinyin drilling
Listening practice
Repetitive stroke writing (书写练习) (Correct answer)
Flashcard review

Correct answer: Repetitive stroke writing (书写练习)

书写练习 (writing practice) reinforces character recognition and recall through the physical act of writing each stroke in correct order.

Question 96: Which structure expresses 'the more … the more …' in Chinese grammar?

比…比…
更…更…
越…越… (Correct answer)
再…再…

Correct answer: 越…越…

越…越… (yuè … yuè …) expresses proportional increase, e.g., 越学越有趣 (The more you study, the more interesting it becomes).

Question 97: What does 自相矛盾 mean as an HSK 5 chengyu?

To make excuses
To be stubborn
To talk nonsense
Self-contradictory (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Self-contradictory

自相矛盾 literally means 'spear and shield contradict each other' and describes a self-contradictory statement or behavior.

Question 98: Which HSK 5 word means 'to interfere' or 'to meddle'?

控制
干涉 (Correct answer)
参与
影响

Correct answer: 干涉

干涉 (gānshè) means 'to interfere' or 'to meddle' in affairs that do not concern the actor.

Question 99: Which word means 'to understand' or 'to know' in HSK Level 3 vocabulary?

安静
开心
明白 (Correct answer)
方便

Correct answer: 明白

明白 (míngbái) means 'to understand' or 'to be clear about something' and is a key HSK 3 word.

Question 100: What is the HSK vocabulary strategy of learning characters through 'semantic radicals'?

Memorizing characters by stroke order only
Learning characters through pinyin only
Grouping characters by tone pattern
Using the meaning-bearing part of a character to guess unfamiliar words (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using the meaning-bearing part of a character to guess unfamiliar words

Semantic radicals (偏旁) carry meaning clues — e.g., 木 (wood) appears in 树 (tree), 林 (forest), and 桌 (desk).

HSK 4 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Level 4)

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the standardized Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers, administered by Hanban. HSK 4 assesses intermediate proficiency across listening, reading, and writing, requiring approximately 1,200 vocabulary words.

100

Questions

105 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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